Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings sided with critics this week in calling himself "deeply concerned" that the Dallas Convention Center will play host to sex expo Exxxotica.

The three-day expo which calls itself the "largest adult event in the USA dedicated to love & sex" kicks off in Dallas a week from Friday. It promises sex seminars, fetish performances, Q&As about the commercial sex industry and meet-and-greets with dozens of porn stars.

But a few local groups weren't amused.

The Dallas Women's Foundation today penned a letter to Mayor Mike Rawlings, copied to female elected leaders and heads of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce, critiquing the decision to rent city-owned Convention Center space to the event.

The foundation's leadership argues the event "will feature numerous enterprises that contribute to the sex trade industry" and undermines efforts against human trafficking.

Rawlings agreed and, in comments his office said had been sent to a few people who had expressed concerns, said he had asked city staff whether it was possible to stop the event.

"I am particularly worried about the message that our playing host to this convention might send regarding our city's position on the sexual exploitation of women," the mayor wrote.

Rawlings said city attorneys had advised him the city could not deny use of the Convention Center solely based on the content of a planned event. He added that "the only thing worse" than hosting the expo would be getting sued by the organizers and having to pay them.

Handy said the expo occurs a few times a year in cities all over the country and a first trip to Dallas was "next on the list." Other cities hosting the expo this year are Chicago and Edison, New Jersey.

The event has had strong early interest in Dallas, Handy said. It typically draws upwards of 15,000 over the three days. He called it a major draw to have over 150 film stars, an entertainment stage, a seminar stage and over 100 vendors.

"We've gotten a lot of great response by way of ticket sales," he said. "Obviously this is not your typical event."

Daily admission to the expo runs $39.99 or $69.99 for a VIP package with entry to after-parties. The truly dedicated can get that all three days for $140.

You can read the foundation's full letter below. Check back for updates.